Ohio Cop Who Fatally Shot John Crawford III Escapes Federal Charges

An Ohio police officer who fatally shot a 22-year-old Black man as he shopped in Walmart will not face federal charges.

The Huffington Post reports that Beavercreek Police Officer Sean Williams will not be charged with any federal offenses connected to the Aug. 2014 incident. Williams was previously cleared in a criminal investigation.

“This investigation revealed that the evidence is insufficient to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Officer Williams violated federal civil rights laws,” the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District Ohio said in a statement. The offices “will not pursue federal criminal civil rights charges against Officer Williams.”

Crawford picked up a pellet gun while shopping in the Walmart toy section on Aug. 5, 2014. He prompted a call to 911 from a customer who inaccurately reported he was loading a rifle and pointing it at children.

Surveillance footage from the store’s cameras showed Crawford casually strolling along its aisles. He had the toy gun in one hand and his cell phone, which was in use, in the other.

Moments later, Crawford was fatally shot by Williams.

A grand jury declined to indict Williams or a second officer involved in the shooting. So far, Crawford’s family has not issued a statement regarding the decision.

This website or its third-party tools use cookies, which are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy. If you want to know more or withdraw your consent to all or some of the cookies, please refer to the privacy policy.
By closing this banner, scrolling on this page, clicking a link or continuing to browse otherwise, you agree to the use of cookies.OkRead more